ArcBest announces Vaux progress, new system manager

Fort Smith-based ArcBest on Wednesday (May 14) announced progress on its Vaux Vision system designed to automate freight handling, and named Brian Nachtigall as general manager of the Vaux effort.

Nachtigall, who is set to begin in the new role on May 28, has more than 20 years of experience in warehouse automation, product marketing, and advance robotics, according to ArcBest.

Prior to his move to ArcBest, Nachtigall was director of corporate strategy consulting, industrials and energy practice for EY Parthenon, a consulting firm owned by Boston-based Ernst & Young. He also has worked in leadership positions at Brooks Automation, Boston Dynamics, Cognex Corporation, and Bain & Company, ArcBest noted.

“Brian’s unique experience makes him ideally suited to meet our customers’ needs and profitably scale our Vaux business,” Dennis Anderson, ArcBest chief innovation officer, noted in the statement. “Brian will be an excellent addition to our team as we continue to provide our customers with future-ready supply chain solutions.”

Nachtigall was hired to replace the retiring Craig Wahlmeier, who was vice president-innovation and operations for Vaux. He is set to retire in February 2026 after a 38-year career with ArcBest.

Vaux Vision, according to the company is a “3D perception technology that transforms forklifts into intelligent mobile dimensioners.” The system is being tested by “various end users,” including ABF Freight, the largest ArcBest subsidiary.

According to ArcBest, the Vaux systems combine “autonomous mobile robot (AMR) forklifts and reach trucks, intelligent software and remote teleoperation capabilities to autonomously handle materials movement within warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities — all while keeping humans in the loop.”

ArcBest spent $7.513 million in the first quarter of 2025 on the Vaux customer pilot program “and initiatives to optimize our performance through technological innovation.” In 2024, ArcBest spent $34.081 million on Vaux and other technology projects, and spent $52.363 million in 2023.

Founded in 1923, ArcBest has around 14,000 employees at 250 locations. ABF Freight is the largest subsidiary and is a less-than-truckload carrier. ArcBest in April reported first quarter net income of $3.131 million, better than the loss of $2.312 million in the same quarter of 2024. Revenue in the quarter was $967.077 million, below the $1.036 billion in the first quarter of 2024, and below the consensus estimate of $989.28 million.

ArcBest shares (NASDAQ: ARCB) closed Wednesday at $69.99, up 2 cents. In the past 52 weeks the share price has ranged between $129.83 and $55.19.